Raising Church Funds with a Vicar’s Tea Party

If there’s one thing we Brits do brilliantly, it’s putting the kettle on. And when the church roof needs patching, the Sunday school needs new crayons, or the flower rota could do with a little boost, what better excuse for a proper knees-up in the form of a vicar’s tea party?

What’s It All About?

Picture the scene: the vicar in their best clerical collar, cheerfully pouring tea into mismatched cups while balancing a plate of Victoria sponge. 

Parishioners swap gossip about the weather, children hover hopefully near the cake stand, and someone’s Aunt Mabel insists her scones are “better than Mary Berry’s”. It’s simple, it’s sociable, and it’s guaranteed to raise both smiles and funds.

Why It Works a Treat

Cake + Tea = Happiness. No complex fundraising maths needed.

A Little Bit of Friendly Rivalry. Who will win the “biggest slice of cake” challenge or the “fastest teapot pourer” prize?

Community Spirit. There’s nothing quite like a whole parish armed with teapots and sponge tins.

Affordably Splendid. No tuxedos or gala tickets required – just a few coins in the donations bowl and an appetite for cake.

Making It Extra Fun

Theme It Silly: A “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party” or “Royal Garden Tea” can liven things up.

The Vicar’s Apron Challenge: Get the vicar to don a frilly apron and serve tea with a flourish – it always goes down a storm.

Add a Raffle: Because who doesn’t secretly hope to win a jar of homemade chutney or a knitted tea cosy?

Musical Interlude: A sing-along hymn or a ukulele solo from the church warden can’t hurt.

The Secret Ingredient

It’s not really about the sandwiches, or even the cakes (though those are rather nice). It’s about gathering together, laughing over spilled teapots, and feeling that warm glow of community. And if, in the process, you raise enough for new hymn books or a fresh lick of paint for the vestry, all the better!

So dust off the cake stand, iron the vicar’s apron, and pop the kettle on – a vicar’s tea party is the most delicious way to fundraise, and you might just discover that jam really does bring people together.

Raising Funds with Flavour: Hosting Themed Dinners for Your Church or Charity

Fundraising doesn’t have to be all bake sales and sponsored walks. If you’re looking to raise money for your church or favourite charity while building community spirit, why not consider hosting a themed dinner event? 

These nights bring people together around a shared table and shared purpose – with plenty of fun along the way.

Here’s how to create memorable, meaningful fundraising dinners that people will talk about long after the last course is served.

Why Themed Dinners Work

Themed dinners are a brilliant way to:

Raise funds through ticket sales, raffles, and donations

Strengthen bonds in your local community

Celebrate different cultures or traditions

Encourage creativity and collaboration among volunteers

Whether you're transforming your church hall into a Parisian bistro or solving a "whodunnit" over dessert, the immersive nature of these evenings makes them more than just a meal.

Themed Dinner Ideas to Get You Started

Celebrate the Cultures of the World

Host a dinner night dedicated to the cuisine and customs of a particular country or region. You could invite guest speakers or performers, play traditional music, and decorate your venue to reflect the theme. Some popular ideas:

A Taste of Italy – Pasta, tiramisu, and perhaps a live opera singer?

Caribbean Carnival – Jerk chicken, rum punch (or mocktails), and steel drum music.

Indian Feast – A thali-style dinner with vegetarian options, colourful décor, and Bollywood dancing.

Be sure to approach cultural themes respectfully, and consider partnering with members of those communities to ensure authenticity.

Murder Mystery Evening

Put your guests in the middle of a thrilling mystery, with clues revealed between courses. These can be pre-scripted kits or bespoke stories written by a volunteer. 

Offer optional costumes, assign roles, and let guests immerse themselves in the drama. Add prizes for best-dressed or best detective to keep energy high.

Historical Banquets

Step back in time with a Tudor feast, a 1920s speakeasy, or a wartime ‘ration night’. Use vintage recipes, era-appropriate music, and period décor to enhance the experience. These events are perfect for local history buffs or themed church groups.

Movie-Inspired Meals

Design your menu and atmosphere around a beloved film or film genre. Think “Harry Potter Hogwarts Feast”, a “Great Gatsby Gala”, or a “Lord of the Rings” hobbit banquet. Include a screening or a trivia quiz to complete the night.

Planning Your Fundraising Dinner

Here are a few tips to help make your event a success:

Set a Budget and Fundraising Goal

Know your costs up front (ingredients, decorations, venue hire, etc.) and set clear targets for what you’d like to raise.

Promote Early and Widely

Use posters, social media, newsletters, and word of mouth. Consider offering early bird tickets or group discounts.

Cater to Dietary Needs

Always offer vegetarian and gluten-free options, and ask guests to notify you of allergies in advance.

Add Fundraising Extras

Include a raffle, auction, or donation table to boost income. Ask local businesses to donate prizes or sponsor the event.

Involve the Community

Encourage church members, youth groups, or local volunteers to help with cooking, serving, or entertainment. This spreads the workload and fosters greater involvement.

Final Thoughts

Themed dinners offer more than just a meal – they create lasting memories, honour diverse cultures, and bring people together for a cause that matters. With a bit of imagination and teamwork, your next fundraising event could be a night to remember and a huge help to your charity’s mission.

So light the candles, set the table, and let your community's generosity shine – one course at a time.

Raise Money for Charity by Hosting a Supper Club: A Delicious Way to Do Good

If you love cooking, entertaining, and supporting great causes, hosting a supper club might just be the perfect way to combine all three.

 Supper clubs are intimate, pop-up dining experiences, often held in someone’s home or a community space, where guests donate money in exchange for a carefully curated meal. 

But beyond the food and company, supper clubs can also be a fantastic way to raise funds for charity while fostering connection and community.

Here’s how you can start your own charity-focused supper club and make a real difference—one plate at a time.

1. Choose Your Cause

The first step is deciding which charity you want to support. Whether it's a local food bank, a health charity, an animal rescue, or an international aid organisation, make sure it’s a cause you feel passionate about. Reach out to the charity in advance—they might offer promotional support or materials to help you share their message on the night.

Tip: Look for charities that align with your supper club theme (e.g., a Mediterranean menu supporting refugee aid, or a vegetarian night raising funds for an animal sanctuary).

2. Plan the Supper Club Experience

Think about what kind of supper club you want to create. Will it be a cosy home-cooked meal around your dining table, or a garden feast under the stars? Keep the atmosphere relaxed and friendly—people are there to support a good cause and enjoy themselves.

Key elements to decide:

Number of guests: Start small (6–12 people) to keep it manageable.

Theme or cuisine: A consistent menu adds flair—think Italian trattoria, curry night, plant-based tasting menu, or seasonal British fare.

Date and location: Choose a time that gives you space to plan and promote.

3. Set a Donation Structure

Rather than charging for tickets, ask for a suggested donation. Let guests know all proceeds go to your chosen charity, and be clear about any costs you need to cover (though ideally, try to keep expenses low or find sponsors/donors to help offset them).

Ideas for handling donations:

Set up a JustGiving or GoFundMe page linked to the charity.

Use a QR code for easy digital donations on the night.

Offer a ‘pay what you feel’ model with a minimum suggested amount.

4. Create a Memorable Menu

Your food should be the star of the evening—so plan a menu that showcases your strengths, accommodates dietary needs, and suits the theme. A simple three-course meal or sharing platters can be just as impressive as fine dining if it’s made with care.

Menu planning tips:

Use seasonal, local ingredients to keep costs down and flavours fresh.

Offer a welcome drink or mocktail to start things off.

Include a printed menu card that features the charity and cause you're supporting.

5. Spread the Word

Promoting your supper club is key to getting bums on seats. Use social media, word of mouth, and local community boards to attract interest. Tell people what makes it special—home-cooked food, good company, and the chance to support a great cause.

Promotion ideas:

Create an event on Facebook or Eventbrite with all the details.

Post teaser photos of your test dishes or table setup.

Encourage guests to bring a friend or share the event online.

6. Add a Personal Touch

People love to know who’s behind the food and the fundraiser. Share your story on the night—why you chose this charity, what the cause means to you, and how their donations will help.

Consider including:

A short talk or video about the charity.

A printed leaflet or takeaway postcard with info and donation links.

A thank-you gift, like homemade biscuits or a recipe card.

7. Follow Up and Share Your Impact

After the supper club, thank your guests and share how much you raised. Post photos and updates online and tag the charity so they can see and share your support. This not only celebrates your success but builds momentum for the next one!

Hosting a supper club for charity is a beautiful way to turn your passion for food into tangible impact. Whether you raise £50 or £500, you’re making a difference—and chances are, your guests will leave feeling inspired, well-fed, and eager for the next invitation.

So roll up your sleeves, set the table, and cook for a cause—it’s one of the most rewarding meals you’ll ever make.

Breaking Bread for a Cause: How to Host a Fun and Successful Potluck Fundraiser

Bringing people together over food is one of the oldest and most heartwarming ways to foster community spirit — and it’s also an effective (and delicious) way to raise funds. 

For churches, community groups and local charities, hosting a potluck lunch, dinner or supper is an accessible and budget-friendly way to support a good cause while having a great time.

Here’s how you can make your potluck fundraiser a joyful and successful event.

What is a Potluck Fundraiser?

A potluck is a shared meal where each guest contributes a homemade dish. 

When turned into a fundraising event, attendees are either asked for a suggested donation or charged a small entry fee, with all proceeds going toward a cause. 

It’s an inclusive, community-driven approach that reduces catering costs and encourages participation.

Why Potlucks Work So Well for Fundraising

Low Overheads: No need to hire a caterer — everyone brings a dish, making it cost-effective.

Community Engagement: Everyone gets involved, from cooking to decorating to serving.

Cultural Variety: Guests can share dishes from different backgrounds, making the event educational and celebratory.

Family-Friendly Fun: Potlucks suit all ages and are easy to adapt to dietary needs.

Planning the Perfect Potluck Event

1. Choose a Theme or Occasion

Themes can add a touch of fun — think seasonal (Harvest Supper, Christmas Lunch), cultural (Mediterranean Mezze, Curry Night), or even quirky ones like “Recipes from Grandma’s Kitchen”.

2. Set a Date and Venue

Church halls, community centres, or even local schools often have spaces available at a low cost. Choose a date that doesn’t clash with major local events.

3. Create a Dish Sign-Up Sheet

To avoid twenty lasagnes and no desserts, provide a sign-up sheet that encourages variety — mains, sides, desserts, vegetarian options, etc.

4. Promote Your Event

Spread the word through posters, local newsletters, social media, and church bulletins. Don’t forget to share the cause you’re raising money for — people are more likely to support if they understand the impact.

5. Suggest a Donation or Entry Fee

You could charge £5-£10 per person or invite donations at the door. Alternatively, set up a “Pay What You Can” table to keep it inclusive.

Add a Dash of Fun

Host a Bake-Off: Invite friendly competition with small prizes for best cake, most colourful dish, or most unusual ingredient.

Raffle or Tombola: These are easy to organise and can boost your fundraising total.

Live Music or Local Talent: Invite a choir, folk group, or young musicians to perform.

Decorate the Space: Use bunting, candles, or handmade signs to add atmosphere without breaking the bank.

Top Tips for Success

Label All Dishes: Include name, ingredients, and allergy information.

Provide Takeaway Boxes: Sell leftovers for an extra donation.

Include Everyone: Ensure the event is accessible for people with mobility or sensory needs.

Say Thank You: Acknowledge contributors and volunteers both at the event and online.

Inspire Long-Term Giving

A potluck fundraiser isn’t just about the money raised on the day — it’s about building relationships. When people feel involved and appreciated, they’re more likely to continue supporting your work. Use the event to talk briefly about your goals, share updates, and invite people to your next activity.

Final Thoughts

Potluck meals are more than just a chance to eat; they’re a beautiful reminder that when everyone brings a little something to the table, it adds up to a feast — and in this case, a feast that feeds both bellies and a great cause.

Hattiers Rum Takes on the Great Glen Way Canoe Trail for Mental Health Awareness Week

'Three Men In A Tub' Raise over £1600 Taking On The Great Glen Way Canoe Trail

Raising awareness for men's mental health, Philip Everett-Lyons, founder and CEO of South Devon's prestigious Hattiers Rum, took on the Great Glen Way Canoe Trail with two of his closest friends, Martin Davidson and Rik Dyson. 

Having taken place ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday 15th May), the trio set out to raise vital funds from the challenge for mental health charity, Mind and are proud to announce they have raised a total of £1610 so far.

Their journey started on Sunday 7th May and took five days to complete, covering 60 miles in their canoes. The Great Glen Way Canoe Trail is one of Scotland's classic and most challenging canoe journeys.  

A geographical fault line forms the Great Glen Way splitting Scotland in two and is steeped in history and folklore tales. The canoe journey started in Fort William on the Caledonian Canal before entering the open water of three Scottish lochs; Lochy, Oich and Ness. 

“The purpose of the trip was to highlight mental health challenges experienced by many men of our age and the pressures that we face, coupled with the fact that multi-generations have become used to suppressing their feelings and just 'getting on with it'”, explains Philip Everett-Lyons. 

Philip went on to say: “Whilst the trip was an amazing adventure, at points it turned into a real challenge! We faced a strong headwind coming through Loch Ness and continuous downpours, which obviously added to the physical challenge itself. The trip gave us the opportunity to come together and support each other at the end of each day. We opened up to one another, having much-needed meaningful conversations about our everyday struggles.

For years the phrase 'man up' has been used flippantly and often under the guise of 'banter' but this has been damaging and sometimes devastating for some men who have felt that they had nobody to talk to or share their worries with, apart from their spouse and often opting to soldier on alone until it's too late.”

In further support of Mind, Hattiers offered a bespoke discount code which meant any bottle of Hattiers Rum that was ordered between 6th May until the 14th May, received 10% off with a further 10% being donated from Hattiers to Mind, Hattiers then donated an additional £250 to the charity.